Rozlana Taukina writes about her association: ANESMI (Association for Independent Electronic Mass Media – see Refworld) was formed in 1993 at a meeting of ten television and radio stations in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Today, it is an association of 83 broadcasting television and radio stations representing four of the five Central Asian Republics. (See Association of Independent Electronic Mass Media of the Countries of Central Asia – ANESMI).

The association seeks to develop television and radio business in Central Asia, foster good relations between the media and government, influence legislation on regulation of the mass media, and enhance information exchange among television and radio stations in Central Asia. It has advocated laws on author’s rights and advertising, and issued challenges to the state on the criteria selected for the redistribution of television and radio channels.

ANESMI plans to intensify their lobbying efforts by learning about methods used by the mass media in other countries to influence public policy. It has also organized periods of silence on radio and television to mark the deaths and persecution of prominent journalists and professionals in the media sphere.

The association has branches in Dushanbe, Tajikistan; Qoqand, Uzbekistan; and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.